Graffiti artists brighten up shops on town high street

The Urban Canvas duo, from Nottingham, have completely masked with the designs four boarded-up units on the High Street, that have remained empty since private-sector owners of businesses such as Fabric Forum left more than eight years ago.

Rotherham Council's director of planning and regeneration, Paul Woodcock, said: "For years these units have been neglected by their previous owner and it's great to see them so dramatically improved by the artwork.

"The long-term plan will be to bring them back into use however, until this is achieved, it is important to improve the appearance of this part of the town centre."

Artists Anthony Donnelly and Peter Barber, from Urban Canvas, talked to neighbouring businesses about the design for the piece, and came up with a mural which includes symbols such as the Corn Law Rhymer.

Mr Barber explained: "We wanted the piece to reflect what the people wanted who have to look at these empty shops every day.

"We've had a lot of fun creating the piece, getting to know Rotherham business people and talking to members of the public who have passed by and taken a huge interest in the work."

The work is part of Rotherham Council's Meanwhile project, which aims to bring life and shoppers back to the town centre by improving the look of empty buildings.

The next Meanwhile project will take place at the Old Market building in Corporation Street, where pictures by graffiti artist Phlegm will be displayed.